Just 2km/1.2mi from Campbell River (the “Salmon Capital of the World”) Elk Falls Provincial Park’s campground (122 sites) attracts eager anglers. A riverside trail leads to the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery.

Bamberton Provincial Park (53 sites) is about a half-hour’s drive from Victoria. Swim or search for intertidal life on the long sandy beach, or combine camping with a visit to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens.

Strathcona Provincial Park, BC’s oldest provincial park, has both front- and backcountry camping (160 vehicle-accessible sites). There are 52km/32mi of hiking trails to explore, from short walks to tough treks, and Buttle Lake offers good trout fishing.

National ParksPacific Rim National Park Reserve is a stunning example of west coast rainforest. Camp at a forested vehicle-accessible site (located between Ucluelet and Tofino) near the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach, a huge stretch of sand where it's easy to spend hours searching for intertidal creatures or watching surfers in the waves – pack binoculars. Bird watching and whale watching are also popular.

Vancouver Island has more than 85 private campgrounds and RV parks. The majority are located between Victoria and Campbell River, with a few on the west coast, by Tofino and Ucluelet, or on the north island, between Campbell River and Port Hardy. They often border beaches, lakes and rivers, with activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, surfing, kayaking or whale watching available nearby.

For a list of campgrounds and RV Parks in this region, visit the Vancouver Island Accommodations page and select "Campgrounds/RV Parks" from the Category drop-down menu

Recreation Sites
At Campbell Lake Recreation Site (just west of Campbell River), there are 25 sites with lots of space for trailers and RVs. Enjoy the shore and the water with the gravel beach and boat launch. On a clear day you can see the Coast Mountains.

Camp on popular Sproat Lake (near Port Alberni) at Snow Creek Recreation Site. The campground has 27 sites, a nice beach and a boat launch. Swim, fish, waterski or windsurf.

Backcountry and Wilderness Camping Highlights

Provincial ParksNorthern Vancouver Island is home to Cape Scott Provincial Park’s enticing white-sand beaches, lush rainforest and sea stacks. Camp on the beach at San Josef Bay or Nels Bight. Hiking trails to campsites range from 45 minutes to a full-day trek.

Old-growth Sitka spruce trees tower above campers in Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park (near Port Renfrew). There are walk-in campsites near the trailhead and wilderness camping is in permitted in some locations; trails range from 2 to 4 hours.

National Parks
Backcountry camping in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve can involve hiking or kayaking. Tackle the world-renowned West Coast Trail and overnight at primitive beach campsites. Or spend up to two weeks paddling and camping in the Broken Group Islands.

Tucked between Vancouver Island and the mainland, the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a patchwork of protected areas. Most campsites are accessible by water only (perfect for sea kayakers or boaters), but Sidney Spit is accessible by a summer walk-on ferry and Vancouver Island and Pender Island have drive-in campgrounds.

When to Go Camping

Camping season is generally mid-May to early September; some sites are open later, earlier or year-round. July and August are busiest; May, June, September and October are great camping months – fewer crowds! Reservations are recommended for popular locations or during public holiday weekends.

Planning a Camping Trip

General information about fees, reservations and facilities can be found at Camping in BC. For more details about where to camp, plus photos, visit Camping & RV in BC.

Phone or stop in at Visitor Centres for local camping knowledge or directions. Plan routes using Maps.

Campfires may or may not be permitted, depending on the campground and if there is a campfire ban in effect.

Some campgrounds are pet-friendly. Check in advance to be sure.

Play a part in protecting BC's forests. Abide by local park rules, exercise caution and ensure all fires are extinguished. To report a forest fire within BC from a cell phone, call *5555.